Places to visit in Brussels with Kids & Family

Top 10 things to do with kids in Brussels, Belgium

The city of Smurfs and Tintin has numerous ideal places most suited for the kids. Brussels is kids friendly city that is fun loving yet has an air of grace about itself. Although it is not as big as London or Paris, still it is cozy, and this is what that adds to its charm. Medieval architecture with blends of funkily painted sculptures like that of the urinating boy is the mascot of the city. The people here are friendly and fun loving thus it makes a fun place to travel with kids. It is a one of the best place to spend your money on vacation, and the best part is, you can explore the other towns of Belgium. Such as, Ghent, Bruges, Arty, can be a great place for day trips.

Brussels is high on ambiance thus wandering the cobblestone street and squares is the city’s best attraction. Simply buying a Brussels card will enable you to access all the sites, museums, unlimited transportation and other discounts on dining. One can easily purchase the card online or at the tourist office which are located at several areas in the Brussels.

Here is a list of top ten places that one must head to if you are planning a visit there with your kids.

Mini Europe

This is an actual dream place for any kid or parents also. Just outside the city in Brupark, one can witness Europe’s landmarks across the 80 cities, but all shrunk to 1/25th of their original size. It will only amaze your kids to see the Eiffel Tower, 4m Big Ben, and the Acropolis. Amazement will go to another level as there are interactive monuments also in this amusement park. As soon as you push a button, you can see the Berlin Wall Fall down, by pressing another button you can see the Mount Vesuvius eruption. It is mesmerizing to look at the kids getting amazed by the magnificence of the monuments. This amusement park will keep the toddlers as well as the grownups hooked. Interactive games and hands-on museums make the evening full of fun.

Museum of Cocoa and Chocolate

When in Belgium discover the chocolate. Any trip to Belgium is just not complete without a visit to this chocolate factory. All that you are dreaming of is indulging in the pool of rich chocolate there is this Museum of Cocoa and Chocolate. Witnessing the history dated back to Aztec and Mayan civilizations will leave the kids very intrigued. The perfect end to the trip is by an enlivened demonstration about chocolate making. The presentation may is more for older kids than the toddlers or younger ones. Though touristy this museum displays fun for families. It is located in the Grand Place which not only show the chocolate making demos but also give yummy samples.

Comic Strip Museum

Belgium is known as a comic fan nation, where you can easily see the comic graffiti style designs on the exterior walls of the building in every nook and corner of the city. The artists of Belgium have created several internationally acclaimed and loved cartoon characters like The Smurfs and the Tintin; this makes Brussels a perfect home for a museum specially meant for these popular characters and art forms. Acknowledgement is paid to homegrown as well as international comic strips. American comic characters like Peanuts and Superman are also represented here. Exhibits take you through the step by step images of creating a comic strip, and you can treat your eyes by watching the classic animated films and visit the extensive comic library.

The Grand Place

The UNESCO World Heritage Site is the best and most beautiful square in Europe. The beautifully preserved 17th-century architecture blends in perfect harmony with the rhythm of the energized social scene. During the dark hours, the light shows brighten up everything, showering the buildings in fantastic colors. Raise a drink at one of the cafes that offer a view of the action and watch the funny scene play out. Do not miss the delicious chocolate shops line the square and feature the attractive displays of temptations.

Manneken Pis

Adding to the humor of the city, this beautiful little boy peeing is the mascot of the city. This statue takes the lively spirit of the city to another level. In Brussels, you can witness a 2-foot tall bronze statue of a boy. At times he is naked, but quite sometimes he wears one of his 1000 costumes gifted him by the visiting leaders from around the world. Located about 3 blocks from the Grand Place, the Manneken Pis can be seen dressed as a bullfighter, surfer or in a kilt.

Museum of Musical Instruments

Over 1500 instruments from around the globe and a variety of time periods are found at this musical instrument. Enjoy the interactive exhibits along with a headset tour where you can enjoy the sound of the instrument playing in front of you visually as well as audibly.

Magritte Museum

Belgium and museums are synonyms for each other, and most definitely your kids will not want to spend the entire vacation viewing art. However, they will definitely enjoy witnessing the art at this museum. Belgian surrealist Magritte’s works are displayed here, and his innovatively wacky use of everyday objects may amaze some nonart loving kids also. The best part is that kids below 18 years of age have free access to the museum so just pop in with your kids and enjoy the pieces of art.

Oceade

More than a dozen of outdoor and indoor waterslides, a wave pool and an aqua funhouse makes this aquatic park a great amusement park to cool off. The slides are for all, from a teenager to a toddler, all can enjoy this place.

Atomium

This 355-foot cluster of silver spheres represents a gigantic atomic structure. This structure is spread over eight levels over 5 spheres. Its enormous form and size make it the most popular attraction of the town. The views of Brussels from the top of the sphere is breathtakingly beautiful and will get embedded in your memories. The town may seem to be very timid if you stand under it. It has an option of a free ticket for kids under the age of 12 on purchasing a ticket for an adult.

Bois De La Cambre

This is the pride of Brussels as Brussels prides itself all due to its vast lush green outdoor spaces. Bois de la camber is situated near the trendy Avenue Louise. This park is open to the public and houses a small lake with an island in it. The island is in the center that can be reached by an electrically operated pontoon boat. The cars are allowed in the park to keep an eye on the kids.

Apart from the above-mentioned places, there are two options for one day trip near Brussels. The first being Bruges and the second being Ghent.

Burges

It is an hour train ride from Brussels. The city is best trodden with a guided boat tour along its extensive canal system. One can glide along the waterways with swans swimming all around. The scenic beauty will cast a spell on you. A horse-drawn carriage can also be opted to ride around the city in magnificent and classy style.

Ghent

This is quieter and less of a tourist-attracting destination. The university town is best suited for you and your grown-up kids. They will enjoy the funky, art-filled vibes of the city. It also has the Torture Museum situated in an authentic castle. The city also has record shops and vintage boutiques to cater very young group of bikers. It will take some 35 minutes to reach here from Brussels by train.

Dont miss out the yummy food with kids in Brussels!

Belgians are very fond of food. Brussels is an excellent place to get some amazing food to treat the taste buds of the kids as well as adults. Street food is the prime indulgence here, therefore, let your kid enjoy the city’s specialty.

Chocolate – The Belgium chocolates need no introduction you will be privileged to discover how delicious and artful chocolates can be. Place du Grand Sablon, the picture square place is full of chocolate shops where there are finest confections.

Waffles – People love two types of waffles in Belgium: One is Liege and the other is Brussels style. One can easily get both these from the street vendors. Both the waffles are delicious and as per your preference, you can select the Brussels waffle with golden exterior or the sugary Liege style waffle.

Belgian Fries – There are more than 5000 fries stands in Belgium, thus there are plenty of options. Fries are presented in a cone made from paper and is served with homemade mayonnaise if you desire to have it with ketchup ask for it.

While planning a trip to Brussels, do include all the listed places in your itinerary to have a great trip. Also, let your kids enjoy the delicious food offered by the city. Enjoy your vacation to the core!